Osseointegration

Abstract

Osseointegration is a technique that confers a number of advantages to amputees dissatisfied with traditional socket prostheses. An osseointegrated implant consists of a bone-anchored device attached to a patient's residual limb, and a transdermal component, which connects the external prosthesis. By anchoring into bone, an osseointegrated prosthesis provides direct skeletal attachment, allowing for improved mobility and coordination, gait which more closely approximates a native limb, better proprioception, and obviation of the problems associated with the traditional socket-residuum interface, including poor socket fit and soft tissue irritation. Both the bony and soft tissue work of osseointegration warrant careful consideration. We recommend collaboration between rehabilitation, orthopedic, and plastic surgery teams at each step of the process.

Team Approach: Osseointegration Amputation Surgery

“…Next, it is important to elicit reasons why each patient desires OI. Typically, this is multifactorial and can relate to a combination of poor function, difficult prosthesis fitting and/or suspension, recidivism of skin problems or breakdown, and pain in a conventional, socket-based prosthesis, in some cases to the point of device abandonment [20][21][22][23] . OI also obviates many difficulties associated with and time spent donning and doffing a prosthesis, but this added convenience should generally not be the primary indication for proceeding.…”